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Pakistan’s nationwide mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) license has an upfront initial fee of USD 140,000. Applicants may pay in US dollars or Pakistani rupees; the rupee amount is calculated using the National Bank of Pakistan’s Telegraphic Transfer selling rate on the day before payment, so there is no fixed PKR equivalent. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) invited applications on June 24, 2026, for licenses with a 15-year term, subject to applicable regulatory conditions.
How much does the PTA MVNO license cost?
The initial fee for a nationwide MVNO license is USD 140,000, payable upfront. An applicant paying in Pakistani rupees must use the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Telegraphic Transfer (TT) selling rate prevailing on the day before payment. The PKR amount therefore depends on the payment date; a conversion using a different date or exchange rate is not the fee amount specified by the framework.
This is the initial license fee, not the full cost of operating as an MVNO. The framework also sets recurring fees and contributions based on licensed-services revenue.
What recurring fees and contributions apply?
The policy framework specifies annual obligations separate from the USD 140,000 upfront charge. Their calculation depends on the framework’s revenue base and deductions, so the percentages should not be treated as simple add-ons to all company revenue.
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|---|---|
| Annual license fee | 0.5% of annual gross revenue from licensed services for the relevant financial year, less inter-operator costs and specified payments mandated by PTA or FAB. |
| USF contribution | 1.5% on the stated licensed-services revenue basis after specified deductions. |
| Research and development contribution | 0.5% on the stated licensed-services revenue basis after specified deductions. |
The framework includes conditions on deductions, including treatment of certain mandated payments. Applicants should use its calculation rules rather than assume every listed obligation has an identical base or that every cost can be deducted.
What does an MVNO license allow?
An MVNO can provide mobile services without holding its own frequency spectrum assignment. It relies on commercial agreements with licensed mobile network operators (MNOs), and the PTA announcement says licensees may offer services under their own brand through those agreements. The license creates a regulatory route to operate; it does not itself supply a host network agreement, guarantee favorable commercial terms, or mean a service has launched.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Has PTA opened applications, and how long is the license?
PTA invited interested entities to apply on June 24, 2026, and directed applicants to the MVNO License Template for eligibility criteria, application procedure, and licensing obligations. The announcement establishes that applications were invited; it does not establish how many entities applied, which applicants succeeded, or whether later licenses were awarded.
The announced license period is 15 years, subject to applicable regulatory terms and conditions. The invitation and term are reported by the Associated Press of Pakistan, which reproduces the license-term statement attributed to PTA.
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What applicants should verify before budgeting
- Confirm the current MVNO License Template with PTA for detailed eligibility and application requirements; the invitation identifies it as the source for those terms.
- Plan the initial payment in the chosen currency, and for a rupee payment verify the applicable NBP TT selling rate for the day preceding payment.
- Model the annual license fee and USF/R&D contributions using the framework’s definitions, deductions, and payment conditions.
- Assess the availability and commercial terms of a licensed MNO agreement separately from the PTA licensing process.
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